LocalSend is a free, open-source cross-platform application built with Dart and Flutter that enables secure file and message sharing between nearby devices over a local network without requiring an internet connection or third-party servers. The application functions as an alternative to Apple's AirDrop, providing a REST API-based communication system with HTTPS encryption and on-the-fly TLS/SSL certificate generation for maximum security.
The project maintains broad platform support across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and Fire OS, with specific minimum version requirements ranging from Android 5.0 to macOS 11 Big Sur. Distribution occurs through multiple channels including app stores, package managers, and direct installers. The application uses port 53317 for both incoming TCP and UDP traffic and requires firewall configuration to function properly across local networks. A portable mode introduced in version 1.13.0 allows users to store settings in a local settings.json file, and a hidden startup flag added in version 1.15.0 enables the application to launch directly to the system tray.
The repository demonstrates significant community engagement with 1109 tracked issues and pull requests. The median response latency for issue and PR activity stands at 4.6 hours, though the mean extends to 1930.1 hours, indicating variable response times across different types of requests. Bug reports represent the most active issue category with 326 tracked items, followed closely by enhancement requests with 303 items. Android-specific issues account for 48 tracked items, reflecting platform-specific development considerations.
Tienisto emerges as the primary contributor with 1057 recorded events, followed by ShlomoCode with 347 events and Caesarovich with 43 events. The project's contributor base overlaps with major repositories including Microsoft's VSCode and TypeScript implementations as well as the Rust language repository, suggesting involvement from developers working across multiple significant open-source projects.
The codebase requires Flutter development setup, with the project specifying a particular Flutter version managed through the fvm tool to ensure consistency across development environments. Rust installation is also required for compilation. The application supports multiple languages through Weblate integration, with README documentation available in 17 languages including Spanish, Persian, Filipino, French, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, Vietnamese, and Chinese.
LocalSend's protocol documentation exists in a separate repository, providing detailed specifications for the secure communication mechanism. The project welcomes contributions through bug fixes, feature improvements, and translations, with a dedicated contributing guide available. Known performance considerations include slower transfer speeds on Android devices and the recommendation to use 5 GHz networks with encryption disabled for optimal speed. The application requires specific network configuration, including disabling AP isolation on routers and ensuring private network designation on Windows systems for device discovery to function properly.
